Casey Introduces Bills to Increase Disability Employment and Create Office of Disability Policy
Bills Would Help Encourage Hiring of People with Disabilities and Improve Collaboration with Disability Community on Key Policies
During the week of the 28th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), yesterday, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) introduced two bills to strengthen America’s commitment to empowering the 56 million people with disabilities in the U.S.
Disability Employment Incentive Act (S. 3260)
Despite the ADA, there are still many barriers to employment for people with disabilities. Only 32 percent of people with disabilities, of working-age, are employed. Underemployment, workplace inaccessibility and inefficient supports are chronic issues that make it more difficult for people with disabilities to find long-term, meaningful employment. Sen. Casey’s bill would encourage employers to hire and retain employees with disabilities by enhancing three existing tax credits to support employers who hire individuals with disabilities. The legislation would double the Work Opportunity Tax Credit, the Disability Access Expenditure Tax Credit and the Architectural and Transportation Barrier Tax Credit. These tax credits will provide incentives to small and large employers to hire and retain people with disabilities and make workplaces more accessible.
Office of Disability Policy Act (S. 3261)
Each year, hundreds of bills and regulations related to disability policy are proposed—often with little or no input from the disability community. Sen. Casey’s bill would create a non-partisan, federal Office of Disability Policy that would examine how all proposed policies would affect people with disabilities. The office would provide Congress and the public with fact-based, impartial analyses about the possible effects of proposed laws on people with disabilities, their families and service providers.
